Newsletter: 4/27-5/1 - Issue #4

We are starting week four for this thing called eLearning.  The fourth grade teaching team can't begin to tell you how proud we are of our learners.  So many are working diligently to complete all their assignments everyday.  Some kids are actually doing better in the online world than they are in regular classrooms.  

Here are probably some reasons why based on our observations: 

• There is a lot less drama to worry about 
• Fewer distractions at home
• Without any physical papers its easier to stay organized

While this might be easier for some, we know that for a lot of our students this is very hard.  

Here are some of the reasons why this is difficult for some students based on our observations:

• Parents are essential works either in the health care field or some other field and have to work difficult shifts or extended hours
• Internet connections are slow or don't exist, making it hard to complete work
• Without a teacher in front of you it is hard to be organized and motivated

Regardless of how you are all feeling, know that we are all in this together.  Each of us is able to deal with all this in different ways, and your teachers and principals are here to help in any way possible.

Please remember each teacher has office hours.  This is a great time to get help and motivation.

Introducing Mr. Mitchell

We wanted to take a moment and introduce one of our fourth grade staff team members.  Mr. Mitchell is an educational aid who engages students in one-on-one/ small group support, assists teachers with everyday tasks, and carries out parent outreach regularly. Mr. Mitchell has been in education for 2 years with this being his first year with DECA.  Those of you who have spoken with him, now can put a face with a name!

Submitting Work That Is NOT Complete

A parental advisory warning:  A few of ours students are hitting "complete" on their google assignment when in actuality they didn't do anything.  We are reaching out to parents of which this pertains, however, a quick conversation with your at home student could help them know you are aware.  

Family Resources

If for some reason you are out of internet access in your home, or if you are out of minutes or data on your phone, the Montgomery County Job Center is offering free wireless internet access in its parking lot. https://thejobcenter.org/covid-19-resources.html

The Goodwill/Easterseals of the Miami Valley is offering computer use for those looking for unemployment or you need to fill out job applications.  https://gesmv.org/

The Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati  is doing some virtual family events.  You can read about it here in the Cincinnati Parent Magazine on line:   https://cincinnatiparent.com/guide-to-free-virtual-family-programming-at-the-taft-museum/

For those of you with younger ones at home, maybe a fourth grade sibling can help setup a Youtube read aloud with Brightly Storytime:

  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQagFNHMrGgQpYunk4rHXg



Important Dates

Monday, April 27th

- Food Response Program - 8:00-10:30 and 5:00-7:30

- Virtual Spirit Week - Pajama Day!

Tuesday, April 28th

Virtual Spirit Week - House Pride!

Wednesday, April 29th

Virtual Spirit Week - Wacky Hair Day!

Thursday, April 30th

Virtual Spirit Week - Talent Thursday!

Monday, May 4th

Food Response Program - 8:00-10:30 and 5:00-7:30

Pictures From This Week

Fifty participants for all-fourth-grade morning meeting last Thursday!!!

Office Hours!!!